Menopause is the permanent end of menstrual periods, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55. Most women experience hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disruption. Current treatments include hormone therapy, newer non-hormonal medications like fezolinetant, and medications originally approved for other conditions that help specific symptoms.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing neurokinin receptor antagonists that target the brain pathways causing hot flashes, new forms of hormone therapy with different safety profiles, and medications for genitourinary symptoms. Researchers are also studying treatments for menopause-related bone loss, cognitive changes, and cardiovascular risk that rises after menopause.
Neurokinin receptor antagonists
Fezolinetant was FDA-approved in 2023 for hot flashes and works on brain temperature regulation rather than hormones. Additional drugs in this class are being tested, offering options for women who can't or won't take hormones.
Estetrol combinations
A newer form of estrogen combined with a progestin is being studied for hormone therapy. Early data suggest it may have a different effect on blood clot risk compared to traditional hormone therapy.
Genitourinary treatments
New vaginal medications and oral drugs are being tested for vaginal dryness, pain with sex, and urinary symptoms. Some approaches aim to restore vaginal tissue without systemic hormone exposure.
What to know before you search
Eligibility often depends on menopause status (perimenopausal or postmenopausal), symptom severity, time since last period, and whether certain health conditions rule out hormone therapy.
What types of trials are currently open
- Hot flash trials — Testing new medications, often pills taken once daily, to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats.
- Hormone therapy trials — Studies of new hormone formulations, doses, or delivery methods (patches, gels, pills) aiming for symptom relief with improved safety profiles.
- Genitourinary trials — Testing treatments for vaginal dryness, pain during sex, and urinary symptoms, including vaginal medications and oral drugs.
- Bone health trials — Studies of medications to prevent or treat osteoporosis that accelerates after menopause.
- Observational studies — Following women through menopause to understand symptom patterns, cardiovascular changes, and long-term health outcomes.
Recently added Menopause trials
Receive targeted cooling during hot flashes to reduce symptoms
This study is evaluating the effects of cooling on menopausal hot flashes in midlife women. Precise targeted cooling is provided to areas of the skin when a hot flash occurs.
Try a guided eating program designed for menopausal symptom relief
The menopausal transition is associated with significant hormonal changes that negatively impact many women's quality of life. Vasomotor symptoms, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and genitourinary symptoms are frequently reported during this period. Concurrently, there is a tendency toward increased body weight and fat redistribution, specifically central fat accumulation, which raises the risk of metabolic diseases. Although hormonal therapy is effective, it is not suitable for all women, necessitating the consideration of non-pharmacological strategies as therapeutic alternatives. Scientific evidence indicates that healthy dietary patterns and weight loss are associated with reduced menopausal symptom severity. The objective of the research is to evaluate the effects of a dietary intervention based on the guidelines of the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population (GAPB) on the reduction of menopausal symptoms. A randomized clinical trial will be conducted to assess whether improving dietary quality and reducing body weight contribute to alleviating menopausal symptoms. Participants will be assigned to two groups: a control group (CG) and an intervention group (IG). Both groups will receive nutritional guidance based on the GAPB; however, the CG will receive the guidelines in printed format, whereas the IG will receive them through group sessions. The study will include perimenopausal or postmenopausal women who are overweight or obese and experiencing menopausal symptoms. Validated instruments will be administered at the beginning and end of the study to assess dietary patterns, menopausal symptoms, and nutritional status.
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